And just to complete the saga...
Tupiza to Vilazon was blocked in three different places - two before the border and one at the bridge which is the actual border.
These were a lot trickier to pass - I managed to get into Villazon by fording a river and going cross country for about 10 miles. The miners explained in no uncertain terms with their sticks of wood with nails protruding that they would perforate my tires if I tried to cross the blockades.
But the real fun was in Villazon. There is a place where you can cross the river which is the border 50m down from the official, blocked crossing on the bridge. This I did and promptly presented myself to Argentinian customs saying I would like to enter.
They said I had entered illegally and impounded the bike. This happened at 4:34, at which point the "how much is the fine" aduana man said his weekend was starting, so I need to go back on Monday to see if the fine is worth paying. The good news at least is that I'm free to leave Argentina without the bike.....
So to cut a long story short, I would strongly advise you not to enter Bolivia , and esp. South Bolivia until the situation is resolved.....
Happy travels.
|